Information processing apparatus, control method for information processing apparatus, and control method for communication system

ABSTRACT

A control method for an information processing apparatus includes transmitting, by a first communication unit, information about an access point to which a second communication unit is connected, to a communication apparatus to which the first communication unit is connected. In a case where the information about the access point to which the second communication unit is connected is received, the communication apparatus connects to and communicates with the access point to which the second communication unit is connected by the second wireless communication method.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/395,551 filed on Dec. 30, 2016, which claims priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2016-016485 filed Jan. 29, 2016 andJapanese Patent Application No. 2016-072785 filed Mar. 31, 2016, whichare hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, acontrol method for an information processing apparatus, and a controlmethod for a communication system.

Description of the Related Art

As a method for connecting an information processing apparatus, such asa smart-phone, to a communication apparatus, such as a printer usable ina network, by a communication method, such as wireless local areanetwork (LAN) communication, there is a method that connects them via anaccess point outside the communication apparatus, such as a wireless LANrouter. This connection method is called an infrastructure connection.Establishment of the infrastructure connection allows the informationprocessing apparatus and the communication apparatus to, for example,bi-directionally communicate with each other, and connect to theInternet to use a service offered on the Internet.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-048211 discusses anapparatus that acquires a list of access points connectable from acommunication apparatus, allows a user to select one access point fromthis list, and connects to the communication apparatus as theinfrastructure connection with use of the selected access point.

The method discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.2007-048211 can establish the infrastructure connection. However, due toa recent trend that a configuration using the communication betweenapparatuses has been increasingly prevailing, making the establishmentof the infrastructure connection further easier and simpler has beendemanded more than ever. The present invention is directed to aninformation processing apparatus, a control method for an informationprocessing apparatus, and a control method for a communication systemthat allow the infrastructure connection to be further easier andsimpler.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect an embodiment, a control method for aninformation processing apparatus including a first communication unitconfigured to connect to and communicate with a communication apparatusby a first wireless communication method, and a second communicationunit configured to connect to and communicate with an access point by asecond wireless communication method different from the first wirelesscommunication method, includes receiving a signal containing connectioninformation for communicating with the communication apparatus by thefirst wireless communication method from the communication apparatus,transmitting a request for starting communication by the first wirelesscommunication method to the communication apparatus based on the signaland establishing a connection between the first communication unit andthe communication apparatus by the first wireless communication method,and transmitting, by the first communication unit, information about theaccess point to which the second communication unit is connected to thecommunication apparatus to which the first communication unit isconnected, wherein, in a case where the information about the accesspoint to which the second communication unit is connected is received,the communication apparatus connects to and communicates with the accesspoint to which the second communication unit is connected by the secondwireless communication method, and wherein, in a case where thecommunication apparatus is connected to the access point to which thesecond communication unit is connected by the second wirelesscommunication method, the information processing apparatus becomes ableto carry out communication by the second communication unit with thecommunication apparatus via the access point to which the secondcommunication unit is connected.

Further features will become apparent from the following description ofexemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of configurations ofan information processing apparatus and a communication apparatusaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by aninformation processing apparatus according to a first exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by acommunication apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a screen when an application forprinting is launched.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a password input screen.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by aninformation processing apparatus according to a second exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 7 (including FIGS. 7A and 7B) is a flowchart illustratingprocessing performed by an information processing apparatus according toa third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates processing for broadcasting advertisement informationand receiving connection request information.

FIG. 9 illustrates advertisement in Bluetooth® Low Energy.

FIG. 10 illustrates a structure of the advertisement information.

FIG. 11 (including FIGS. 11A and 11B) is a flowchart illustratingprocessing performed by an information processing apparatus according toa fourth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by acommunication apparatus according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 (including FIGS. 13A and 13B) is a flowchart illustratingprocessing performed by an information processing apparatus according toa fifth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by theinformation processing apparatus according to the fifth exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 15 (including FIGS. 15A and 15B) is a flowchart illustratingprocessing performed by a communication apparatus according to the fifthexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate examples of screens regarding a personalidentification number (PIN) code.

FIG. 17 (including FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 11C) is a flowchart illustratingprocessing performed by an information processing apparatus according toa sixth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 (including FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C) is a flowchart illustratingprocessing performed by a communication apparatus according to the sixthexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 (including FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C) is a flowchart illustratingprocessing performed by an information processing apparatus according toa seventh exemplary embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, exemplary embodiments will be described byway of examples with reference to the drawings. However, additionalembodiments, created by arbitrarily modifying or improving the exemplaryembodiments that will be described below within a range that does notdepart from the spirit of the present disclosure based on ordinaryknowledge of those skilled in the art, are applicable.

An information processing apparatus and a communication apparatusincluded in a communication system according to a first exemplaryembodiment will be described. In the present exemplary embodiment, asmart-phone will be described as the information processing apparatus byway of example, but the information processing apparatus is not limitedthereto. Various kinds of apparatuses, such as a mobile terminal, anotebook personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, a personal digitalassistance (PDA), and a digital camera, can be employed as theinformation processing apparatus. Further, in the present exemplaryembodiment, a printer will be described as the communication apparatusby way of example, but the communication apparatus is not limitedthereto. Various kinds of apparatuses that can wirelessly communicatewith the information processing apparatus can be employed as thecommunication apparatus. For example, any printer printers such as aninkjet printer, a full-color laser beam printer, a monochrome printer,and the like can be employed as the communication apparatus. Further,the apparatuses employable as the communication apparatus include notonly the printer but also a copy machine, a facsimile apparatus, amobile terminal, a smart-phone, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA,a digital camera, a music playback device, a television, and the like.Besides them, a multifunctional peripheral having a plurality offunctions, such as a copy function, a facsimile (FAX) function, and aprint function, can also be employed as the communication apparatus.

First, configurations of the information processing apparatus accordingto the present exemplary embodiment, and the communication apparatuscommunicable with the information processing apparatus according to thepresent exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to a blockdiagram illustrated in FIG. 1. Further, in the present exemplaryembodiment, the information processing apparatus and the communicationapparatus will be described citing the following configurations asexamples thereof, but the present exemplary embodiment is applicable toan apparatus communicable with the communication apparatus, andfunctions thereof are not especially limited as illustrated in FIG. 1.

An information processing apparatus 101 is the information processingapparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. The informationprocessing apparatus 101 includes an input interface 102, a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 103, a read only memory (ROM) 104, a random accessmemory (RAM) 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface107, a display unit 108, a communication unit 111, a short-rangewireless communication unit 112.

The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving a data input andan operation instruction from a user based on an operation performed ona mouse 110 and a keyboard 109.

The CPU 103 is a system control unit, and controls the entireinformation processing apparatus 101.

The ROM 104 stores fixed data, such as a control program to be executedby the CPU 103, a data table, and an embedded operating system(hereinbelow, referred to OS) program. In the present exemplaryembodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 performs softwareexecution control, such as scheduling, task switching, and interruptionprocessing, under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM104.

The RAM 105 is embodied with use of a static random access memory (SRAM)or the like, which requires a backup power source. The RAM 105 holdsdata with use of a not-illustrated primary battery for a data backup,and therefore can store important data, such as a program controlvariable, without volatilizing it. Further, a memory area storingsetting information of the information processing apparatus 101,management data of the information processing apparatus 101, and thelike is also prepared in the RAM 105. Further, the RAM 105 is also usedas a main memory and a work memory of the CPU 103.

The external storage device 106 stores an application that provides aprint execution function, a print information generation program thatgenerates print information interpretable by a communication apparatus151, and the like. Further, the external storage device 106 storesvarious kinds of programs, such as an information transmission/receptioncontrol program for transmission and reception between the informationprocessing apparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151 to whichthe information processing apparatus 101 is connected via thecommunication unit 111, and various kinds of information to be used bythese programs.

The output interface 107 is an interface for controlling the displayunit 108 to display data and notify the user of a state of theinformation processing apparatus 101.

The display unit 108 is embodied with use of a light-emitting diode(LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), or the like, and displays thedata and notifies the user of the state of the information processingapparatus 101. The information processing apparatus 101 may receive theinput from the user via the display unit 108 by including an operationunit, such as a key for inputting a numerical value, a mode setting key,an enter key, a cancel key, and a power source key provided on thedisplay unit 108.

The communication unit 111 is a unit that allows the informationprocessing apparatus 101 to connect to an apparatus such as thecommunication apparatus 151 and an access point 131, and carry out datacommunication. For example, the communication unit 111 can connect to anaccess point (not illustrated) in the communication apparatus 151. Whenthe communication unit 111 and the access point in the communicationapparatus 151 connect to each other, this connection allows theinformation processing apparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151to communicate with each other. The communication unit 111 may directlycommunicate with the communication apparatus 151 by wirelesscommunication, or may communicate with the communication apparatus 151via an external apparatus existing outside the information processingapparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151. Apparatuses possibleas the external apparatus include an external access point (e.g., accesspoint 131) existing outside the information processing apparatus 101 andthe communication apparatus 151, and an apparatus other than the accesspoint that can relay the communication. Examples of a wirelesscommunication method therefor include Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi®), andBluetooth®. Further, examples of the access point 131 include a devicesuch as a wireless local area network (LAN) router. In the presentexemplary embodiment, a method in which the information processingapparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151 directly connect toeach other without intervention of the external access point will bereferred to as a direct connection method. Further, a method in whichthe information processing apparatus 101 and the communication apparatus151 connect to each other via the external access point will be referredto as an infrastructure connection method.

The short-range wireless communication unit 112 is a unit that allowsthe information processing apparatus 101 to wirelessly connect to anapparatus such as the communication apparatus 151 at a short range andcarry out the data communication, and uses a different communicationmethod from the communication unit 111 to carry out the communication.The short-range wireless communication unit 112 can connect to, forexample, a short-range wireless communication unit 157 in thecommunication apparatus 151. Examples of a communication method thereforinclude Bluetooth® Low Energy and Wi-Fi® Aware.

In the present exemplary embodiment, assume that the communication unit111 is configured to be able to realize faster communication than theshort-range wireless communication unit 112. Further, assume that theshort-range wireless communication unit 112 is configured to be used toexchange communication information for carrying out the communication bythe communication unit 111, with an apparatus such as the communicationapparatus 151.

The communication apparatus 151 is the communication apparatus accordingto the present exemplary embodiment. The communication apparatus 151includes a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, acommunication unit 156, and the short-range wireless communication unit157.

The communication unit 156 includes an access point for connecting to anapparatus such as the information processing apparatus 101 as the accesspoint inside the communication apparatus 151. This access point isconnectable to the communication unit 111 of the information processingapparatus 101. The communication unit 156 may directly communicate withthe information processing apparatus 101 by the wireless communication,or may communicate with the information processing apparatus 101 via theaccess point 131. Examples of a communication method therefor includeWi-Fi® and Bluetooth®. Further, the communication unit 156 may includehardware that functions as the access point, or may operate as theaccess point with use of software for causing the communication unit 156to function as the access point.

The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is a unit that allowsthe communication apparatus 151 to wirelessly connect to an apparatussuch as the information processing apparatus 101 at a short range, andis connectable to, for example, the short-range wireless communicationunit 112 in the information processing apparatus 101. Examples of acommunication method therefor include Bluetooth® Low Energy and Wi-Fi®Aware.

In the present exemplary embodiment, assume that the communication unit156 is configured to be able to realize faster communication than theshort-range wireless communication unit 157. Further, assume that theshort-range wireless communication unit 157 is configured to be used toexchange communication information for carrying out the communication bythe communication unit 156, with an apparatus such as the informationprocessing apparatus 101.

The RAM 153 is embodied with use of an SRAM or the like, which requiresa backup power source. The RAM 153 holds data with use of anot-illustrated primary battery for a data backup, and therefore canstore important data, such as a program control variable, withoutvolatilizing it. Further, a memory area storing setting information ofthe communication apparatus 151, management data of the communicationapparatus 151, and the like is also prepared in the RAM 153. Further,the RAM 153 is also used as a main memory and a work memory of the CPU154, and stores a reception buffer for temporarily storing the printinformation received from the information processing apparatus 101 orthe like, and various kinds of information.

The ROM 152 stores fixed data, such as a control program to be executedby the CPU 154, a data table, and an OS program. In the presentexemplary embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 152performs software execution control, such as scheduling, task switching,and interruption processing, under the management of the embedded OSstored in the ROM 152.

The CPU 154 is a system control unit, and controls the entirecommunication apparatus 151.

The communication apparatus 151 applies a recording material, such asink, onto a recording medium, such as paper, based on information storedin the print engine 155 and the RAM 153 and a print job received fromthe information processing apparatus 101 or the like, thereby forming animage on the recording medium and outputting a print result. At thistime, the print job transmitted from the information processingapparatus 101 or the like has a large transmission data volume andtherefore requires high-speed communication, whereby the communicationapparatus 151 receives the print job via the communication unit 156capable of achieving faster communication than the short-range wirelesscommunication unit 157.

A memory such as an external hard disk drive (HDD) and a Secure Digital(SD) card may be mounted on the communication apparatus 151 as anoptional device, and the information stored in the communicationapparatus 151 may be stored in this memory.

Further, a connection mode of the communication apparatus 151 accordingto the present exemplary embodiment is set by connection settingprocessing, which will be described below, and the communicationapparatus 151 communicates with the information processing apparatus 101while connecting thereto in a manner based on the set connection mode.For the communication apparatus 151 according to the present exemplaryembodiment, an infrastructure connection mode is set as the connectionmode when the communication is carried out by the infrastructureconnection, and a direct connection mode is set as the connection modewhen the communication is carried out by the direct connection.

In the present example, how to divide the processing between theinformation processing apparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151has been indicated as described above by way of example, but is notespecially limited to this division configuration, and the processingmay be divided in a different manner.

The present exemplary embodiment includes processing in which theinformation processing apparatus 101 registers an access point to beused for the infrastructure connection, in the communication apparatus151 when the information processing apparatus 101 and the communicationapparatus 151 connect to each other as the infrastructure connection(the connection setting processing). This processing will be describedbelow. In the present exemplary embodiment, the connection settingprocessing will be described, assuming that the information processingapparatus 101 is connected to the access point 131, and registers theaccess point 131 in the communication apparatus 151 as the access pointto be used for the infrastructure connection. Further, in the presentexemplary embodiment, the connection setting processing will bedescribed, assuming that the short-range wireless communication unit 112and the short-range wireless communication unit 157 communicate witheach other by Bluetooth® Low Energy. In the present exemplaryembodiment, the short-range wireless communication unit 157 functions asan advertiser (or a slave) that broadcasts advertisement information,which will be described below, and the short-range wirelesscommunication unit 112 functions as a scanner (or a master) thatreceives the advertisement information. Further, the connection settingprocessing will be described, assuming that the communication unit 111and the communication unit 156 communicate with each other by thewireless LAN (Wi-Fi®). Further, the connection setting processing willbe described, assuming that the connection setting processing is startedwith the information processing apparatus 101 connected to the accesspoint 131 in advance and the communication apparatus 151 not connectedto the access point 131.

Now, processing for transmitting the advertisement information andreceiving a Bluetooth® Low Energy connection request defined in theBluetooth® Low Energy standard will be described with reference to FIG.8. In the present exemplary embodiment, assume that the short-rangewireless communication unit 157 performs the above-described processing,since the short-range wireless communication unit 157 operates as theslave device as described above.

The short-range wireless communication unit 157 carries out thecommunication while dividing a frequency band of 2.4 GHz into 40channels (0 to 39 channels (ch)) in the Bluetooth® Low Energycommunication method. Among these channels, the short-range wirelesscommunication unit 157 uses thirty-seventh to thirty-ninth channels fortransmitting the advertisement information and receiving the Bluetooth®Low Energy connection request, and uses zeroth to thirty-sixth channelsfor data communication (Generic Attribute Profile (GATT) communicationor the like) after the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection. In FIG. 8, avertical axis represents power consumption of the short-range wirelesscommunication unit 157, and a horizontal axis represents a time, inwhich power consumption when the advertisement information istransmitted with use of one channel is indicated for each processingprocedure. Power Tx 805 represents total power consumption intransmission processing that is processing for broadcasting theadvertisement information, and power Rx 806 represents total powerconsumption in reception processing that is processing for keeping areceiver for receiving the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection requestenabled. Transmission power 802 represents instantaneous powerconsumption consumed by the transmission processing. Further, receptionpower 803 represents instantaneous power consumption consumed by thereception processing. Further, microcomputer operation power 801represents instantaneous power consumption when a microcomputer in theshort-range wireless communication unit 157 is in operation. Themicrocomputer is in operation before and after, and even between Tx 805and Rx 806 because the microcomputer should be started up in advance toperform and stop the transmission processing and the receptionprocessing. Further, in a case where the advertisement information istransmitted with use of a plurality of channels, this leads to anincrease in the power consumption as much as the number of channels usedto transmit the advertisement information. Further, sleep power 804corresponds to instantaneous power consumption of the short-rangewireless communication unit 157 while the microcomputer is out ofoperation and the short-range wireless communication unit 157 is in apower-saving state. In this manner, after performing the transmissionprocessing with use of a predetermined channel, the short-range wirelesscommunication unit 157 waits for the transmission of the Bluetooth® LowEnergy connection request from the information processing apparatus 101by performing the reception processing for a predetermined time periodwith use of the same channel. Upon receiving the Bluetooth® Low Energyconnection request from the information processing apparatus 101, theshort-range wireless communication unit 157 establishes the Bluetooth®Low Energy connection, and carries out the GATT communication with theinformation processing apparatus 101.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the short-range wirelesscommunication unit 157 stops the operation of the microcomputer and iskept in the power-saving state for a predetermined time period, afterrepeating the processing for transmitting the advertisement informationand the reception processing three times for each of the channels. Inthe following description, a combination of the processing fortransmitting the advertisement information and the reception processingwith use of the predetermined channel will be referred to asadvertisement. Further, a time interval at which the advertisementinformation is transmitted with use of the predetermined channel will bereferred to as an advertising time interval. The number of times thatthe advertisement is repeated from the execution of the firstadvertisement to the shift to the power-saving state may be arbitrarilychanged as long as this number is three or smaller.

FIG. 10 illustrates one example of a structure of the advertisementinformation for broadcasting the short-range wireless communication unit157 to a vicinity of the communication apparatus 151.

Upon start of power supply, the short-range wireless communication unit157 performs initialization processing and is brought into anadvertising state. Upon being brought into the advertising state, theshort-range wireless communication unit 157 regularly broadcasts theadvertisement information to the vicinity based on the advertising timeinterval. The advertisement information is a signal containing basicheader information (i.e., identification information for identifying theapparatus transmitting this advertisement information), and includes aheader 1001 and a payload 1002. The information processing apparatus 101can recognize the presence of the communication apparatus 151 byreceiving this advertisement information. Further, the informationprocessing apparatus 101 can connect to the communication apparatus 151as the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection by transmitting the Bluetooth®Low Energy connection request to the communication apparatus 151. Theheader 1001 is an area for storing a type of the advertisementinformation, information indicating a size of the payload 1002, and thelike. The payload 1002 stores a device name 1003 as the identificationinformation, information about a mounted profile, connection information1004 for connecting to the communication apparatus 151 as the Bluetooth®Low Energy connection, transmission power (Tx Power) 1005 when theadvertisement information is transmitted, and the like. Identificationinformation 1006 of the communication apparatus 151 may be contained inthe advertisement information. Examples of information used as theidentification information 1006 of the communication apparatus 151include a media access control (MAC) address of the communicationapparatus 151, information indicating a service of the communicationapparatus 151, and a service set identifier (SSID) and a password forthe access point in the communication apparatus 151.

Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, pairing processing isperformed. The pairing processing is performed for carrying outauthentication between the information processing apparatus 101 and thecommunication apparatus 151, and reading and writing data between theapparatuses by the GATT communication. GATT is a profile that handlesreading and writing (reception and transmission) of information in theBluetooth® Low Energy standard. Then, the GATT communication iscommunication in which the information processing apparatus 101 and thecommunication apparatus 151 play roles of a GATT client and a GATTserver, respectively, and the information processing apparatus 101 readsand writes information from and into the communication apparatus 151according to the profile based on GATT. Assume that the communicationapparatus 151 is configured to prohibit the information processingapparatus 101 from reading and writing the information by the GATTcommunication in a state where the information processing apparatus 101and the communication apparatus 151 are not paired with each other. Thisconfiguration can prevent or make less likely inappropriateestablishment of the communication between the information processingapparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151 not paired with eachother, and, for example, careless acquisition of the information held inthe communication apparatus 151 by the information processing apparatus101 not paired with the communication apparatus 151.

Details of the pairing processing will be described. First, when a printapplication, which will be described below, is launched and an initialscreen (home screen) to be displayed by the print application isdisplayed on the display unit 108, the information processing apparatus101 starts a search for advertisement information having specificapparatus information. The specific apparatus information is, forexample, a universally unique identifier (UUID) or a MAC address of anapparatus corresponding to the print application (e.g., a printer).Then, upon receiving the advertisement information having the specificapparatus information, the information processing apparatus 101transmits the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection request (CONNECT_REQ) tothe apparatus that has transmitted this advertisement information (thecommunication apparatus 151 in the present example), and establishes theBluetooth® Low Energy connection between the apparatuses. Then, if thepairing with the communication apparatus 151 is not completed, theinformation processing apparatus 101 displays a screen for prompting theuser to conduct the pairing on the display unit 108. Then, if beinginstructed to conduct the pairing by the user, the informationprocessing apparatus 101 transmits a pairing request to thecommunication apparatus 151 by communication according to the securitymanager protocol. Assume that the communication between the apparatusesis carried out according to the security manager protocol until thepairing is completed. Upon receiving the pairing request, thecommunication apparatus 151 displays a personal identification number(PIN) code display screen 1600 like an example illustrated in FIG. 16Aon a display unit (not illustrated) provided to the communicationapparatus 151. A PIN code 1601 and a cancel button 1602 for cancelingthe pairing processing are displayed on the PIN code display screen1600. Then, upon transmitting the pairing request, the informationprocessing apparatus 101 displays a PIN code input screen 1610 like anexample illustrated in FIG. 16B on the display unit 108. A PIN codeinput area 1611, an OK button 1613, and the cancel button 1612 aredisplayed on the PIN code input screen 1610. The PIN code input area1611 is an area for receiving an input of the PIN code 1601 from theuser. The OK button 1613 is a button for transmitting the input PIN code1601 to the communication apparatus 151. The cancel button 1612 is abutton for canceling the pairing processing. When the OK button 1613 ispressed with the PIN code 1601 being input in the PIN code input area1611, the information processing apparatus 101 transmits informationcontaining the input PIN code 1601 to the communication apparatus 151.The communication apparatus 151 determines whether the PIN code 1601contained in the received information matches the PIN code 1601displayed on the PIN code display screen 1600, and permits theinformation processing apparatus 101 to be paired with the communicationapparatus 151 if it is determined that these PIN codes 1601 match eachother. More specifically, the communication apparatus 151 transmits alink key generated based on the PIN code 1601 by a predetermined methodto the information processing apparatus 101 with use of the securitymanager protocol (SMP) defined in the Bluetooth® Low Energy standard. Inthis manner, the link key is stored in each of a storage area providedin the information processing apparatus 101 (e.g., the ROM 104) and astorage area provided to the communication apparatus 151 (e.g., the ROM152). The pairing is completed by that, and the execution of theBluetooth® Low Energy communication is permitted between the apparatusesafter that. Upon the completion of the pairing, the informationprocessing apparatus 101 closes the PIN code display screen 1600 anddisplays an originally displayed screen again.

After the pairing is completed, the information processing apparatus 101notifies the communication apparatus 151 of the link key stored in thestorage area at the time of the pairing processing, when transmitting aGATT communication request to the communication apparatus 151. Uponreceiving the GATT communication request, the communication apparatus151 compares the link key stored in the storage area at the time of thepairing processing with the link key which the communication apparatus151 is notified of, and confirms whether the apparatus that has issuedthe GATT communication request is the already paired apparatus. Then, ifbeing able to confirm that this apparatus is the already pairedapparatus, the communication apparatus 151 starts the reading andwriting of the information by the GATT communication with theinformation processing apparatus 101. Due to this mechanism, once theprocessing for pairing with the communication apparatus 151 iscompleted, the information processing apparatus 101 can carry out theGATT communication with the communication apparatus 151 withoutrequiring the user to input the PIN code after that. In theabove-described example, the acquisition of the PIN code 1601 has beendescribed assuming that the communication system is configured to allowthe user to input the PIN code 1601 displayed on the PIN code displayscreen 1600 into the PIN code input area 1611, but is not limited tothis configuration. For example, the communication system may beconfigured in such a manner that the PIN code 1601 is prepared as fixedinformation (not arbitrarily changeable by the user), and is stored intothe information processing apparatus 101 together with installation ofthe print application, which will be described below. By employing thismethod, the communication system can be configured in such a manner thatthe communication apparatus 151 is notified of the PIN code 1601 withoutrequiring the user to input it. Further, the timing at which the pairingprocessing is started is also not limited to the above-describedconfiguration, and may be, for example, a timing when the user issues aprint instruction via the print application or a timing before theBluetooth® Low Energy connection is carried out in the connectionsetting processing, which will be described below.

Now, processing for registering an access point that is a connectiondestination of the communication apparatus 151 (connection settingprocessing) will be described. The information processing apparatus 101performs the connection setting processing while a predeterminedapplication stored in the ROM 104, the external storage device 106, orthe like is launched. The predetermined application is an applicationfor setting the access point that is the connection destination of thecommunication apparatus 151, and causing the communication apparatus 151to print image data, document data, or the like in the informationprocessing apparatus 101, and will be hereinbelow, referred to as anapplication for printing. In addition to the function of setting theaccess point that is the connection destination of the communicationapparatus 151, and the print function, the application for printing mayalso have another function. For example, in a case where thecommunication apparatus 151 is equipped with a scan function, theapplication for printing may have a function of causing thecommunication apparatus 151 to scan a document set on the communicationapparatus 151, a function of configuring another setting of thecommunication apparatus 151, a function of confirming a state of thecommunication apparatus 151, and/or the like.

FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a screen displayed on the display unit108 when the application for printing is launched. The user can use thefunctions provided in the communication apparatus 151, such as printinga desired image and setting the communication apparatus 151, via astartup screen 400. Upon detecting that a print button 401 is pressed,the information processing apparatus 101 causes the communicationapparatus 151 to execute printing. And upon detecting that a scan button402 is pressed, the information processing apparatus 101 causes thecommunication apparatus 151 to execute scanning. And upon detecting thata printer setup button 403 is pressed, the information processingapparatus 101 starts the connection setting processing. In the presentexemplary embodiment, assume that a shift of the communication apparatus151 to a connection setting mode is necessary to perform the connectionsetting processing on the communication apparatus 151. The connectionsetting mode is a mode set to the communication apparatus 151 when theconnection mode is to be set to the communication apparatus 151, and isset to the communication apparatus 151, for example, when the userenters a predetermined input onto an input interface (not illustrated)provided in the communication apparatus 151. When being in theconnection setting mode, the communication apparatus 151 startstransmitting the advertisement information via the short-range wirelesscommunication unit 157. The timing at which the communication apparatus151 starts transmitting the advertisement information is not limited tothe above-described configuration, and may be, for example, a timingwhen the communication apparatus 151 is powered on and a timing when apredetermined operation to enable the Bluetooth® Low Energy function isperformed. In this case, the connection setting mode does not have to beset to the communication apparatus 151 to perform the connection settingprocessing on the communication apparatus 151.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the connection settingprocessing performed by the information processing apparatus 101. Forexample, the CPU 103 reads out the program stored in the ROM 104, theexternal storage device 106, or the like into the RAM 105, and executesthe read program, by which the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 2 isrealized. Further, assume that the processing illustrated in theflowchart of FIG. 2 is started when the printer setup button 403 ispressed with the pairing completed between the information processingapparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151. Further, assume thatthe communication apparatus 151 has shifted to the connection settingmode at this time.

First, in step S201, the CPU 103 detects that the information processingapparatus 101 is instructed to perform the connection setting processingby the user, and is brought into a scanning state, which is a statecapable of receiving the advertisement information.

Next, in step S202, the CPU 103 determines whether the advertisementinformation transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit157 of the communication apparatus 151 is received by the short-rangewireless communication unit 112. More specifically, the CPU 103determines whether the advertisement information is received by theshort-range wireless communication unit 112, and whether theidentification information indicating the communication apparatus 151 iscontained in the received advertisement information. If the CPU 103determines that the advertisement information is received by theshort-range wireless communication unit 112 (YES in step S202), theprocessing proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if the CPU 103determines that the advertisement information is not received by theshort-range wireless communication unit 112 (NO in step S202), theprocessing proceeds to step S204. In step S204, the CPU 103 determineswhether a predetermined time period has elapsed from the start of theconnection setting processing (whether the reception of theadvertisement information is timed out). If the CPU 103 determines thatthe reception of the advertisement information is not timed out (NO instep S204), the processing proceeds to step S202 again. On the otherhand, if the CPU 103 determines that the reception of the advertisementinformation is timed out (YES in step S204), the processing is ended. Atthis time, the CPU 103 may display a screen for notifying the user thatthe reception of the advertisement information is timed out on thedisplay unit 108.

In step S205, the CPU 103 establishes the Bluetooth® Low Energyconnection based on the received advertisement information, andtransmits a request to start the GATT communication to the communicationapparatus 151. When the request to start the GATT communication isreceived by the communication apparatus 151, the GATT communication isstarted between the communication apparatus 151 and the informationprocessing apparatus 101 by this reception. Now, in the GATTcommunication defined in the Bluetooth® Low Energy standard, one of theapparatuses serves as the master and the other of the apparatuses servesas the slave, which enables the bidirectional communication between theapparatuses. In the present exemplary embodiment, the communicationapparatus 151 serves as the slave side, and the information processingapparatus 101 serves as the master side. Subsequently, in step S206, theCPU 103 acquires the SSID of the access point 131 to which thecommunication unit 111 is connected from the OS installed in theinformation processing apparatus 101. The information about the accesspoint 131 to which the communication unit 111 is connected is alreadyacquired from the access point 131 by the OS before the GATTcommunication is started. The information about the access point 131 towhich the communication unit 111 is connected may be acquired from, forexample, a beacon according to the Wi-Fi® standard that is issued fromthe access point 131. Alternatively, the information about the accesspoint 131 may be acquired by inquiring of the access point 131 afteracquiring this beacon and establishing the Wi-Fi® connection. Theacquisition of the information about the access point 131 to which thecommunication unit 111 is connected is not limited to the configurationthat acquires it from the OS. For example, the CPU 103 may acquire theinformation about the access point 131 by inquiring of the access point131 in step S206.

Subsequently, in step S207, the CPU 103 displays the SSID acquired fromthe OS in step S206, and displays a screen for inputting a password forusing the access point corresponding to this SSID (the access point 131in the present example) on the display unit 108. At this time, forexample, a screen 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 is displayed as the screenfor inputting the password. In step S208, the information processingapparatus 101 receives an input of the password for using the accesspoint 131 from the user. At this time, the CPU 103 acquires passwordinformation input by the user onto an input unit 501.

Subsequently, in step S209, the CPU 103 transmits connection settinginformation for registering the access point 131 as the connectiondestination of the communication apparatus 151 into the communicationapparatus 151 by the GATT communication. In this case, the connectionsetting information stores therein the SSID of the access point 131acquired in step S206, the password acquired in step S208, a command forsetting the connection mode of the communication apparatus 151, and thelike. In the present exemplary embodiment, the command for setting theconnection mode of the communication apparatus 151 is a command forsetting an infrastructure connection mode to the communication apparatus151. Upon receiving the connection setting information, thecommunication apparatus 151 connects to the access point 131. In thismanner, the information processing apparatus 101 and the communicationapparatus 151 connect to the same access point 131, which allows theinformation processing apparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151to connect to each other as the infrastructure connection, therebycarrying out the high-speed communication by the wireless LAN.Therefore, after that, when the information processing apparatus 101 isinstructed to perform, for example, processing for transmitting theprint job by the user, the wireless LAN communication is carried outbetween the information processing apparatus 101 and the communicationapparatus 151 by this instruction. Subsequently, in step S210, the CPU103 ends the GATT communication between the communication apparatus 151and the information processing apparatus 101, and then the connectionsetting processing is ended. At this time, if being already connected tothe access point 131, the communication apparatus 151 does not have tonewly perform processing for connecting to the access point 131. Inother words, the communication apparatus 151 may perform the processingfor connecting to the access point 131 if being not connected to anyaccess point or being connected to an access point other than the accesspoint 131.

In this manner, in the present exemplary embodiment, the informationprocessing apparatus 101 transmits the information about the accesspoint 131 to be registered as the connection destination of thecommunication apparatus 151 into the communication apparatus 151 by acommunication method other than the communication method used for theconnection to this access point 131. By being configured in this manner,the information processing apparatus 101 can establish theinfrastructure connection with the communication apparatus 151 whilemaintaining the connection to the access point 131. As a result, theuser does not have to be bothered with cumbersome processing such aschanging the connection destination of the information processingapparatus 101 and setting the connection destination back to theoriginal destination after the connection setting processing is ended,so that the present exemplary embodiment can improve convenience for theuser at the time of the connection setting processing.

Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, the information processingapparatus 101 transmits the information about the access point 131 towhich the communication unit 111 is connected to the communicationapparatus 151, and causes the communication apparatus 151 to connect tothis access point 131, thereby establishing the infrastructureconnection. In this manner, the access point 131 to which theinformation processing apparatus 101 is already connected can be usedfor the infrastructure connection, whereby the information processingapparatus 101 can establish the infrastructure connection withoutswitching the communication destination of the communication unit 111.Further, normally, the user keeps the information processing apparatus101 connected to an access point that the user usually uses, and theusually used access point is often used for the infrastructureconnection as well. In the present exemplary embodiment, theinfrastructure connection is carried out with use of the access point towhich the communication unit 111 is connected, and therefore can becarried out with use of an appropriate access point (the access pointthat the user usually uses). Further, in the present exemplaryembodiment, the information processing apparatus 101 does not have toperform processing such as causing the user to select the access pointto be used for the infrastructure connection. Therefore, the informationprocessing apparatus 101 can prevent or make less likely a user'sinappropriate selection of an access point unsuitable for theinfrastructure connection, and omit a cumbersome operation for theselection, thereby improving usability for the user.

Next, processing performed by the communication apparatus 151, which istargeted for the connection setting processing illustrated in FIG. 2,will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchartillustrating a flow of the processing performed by the communicationapparatus 151 when the communication apparatus 151 is subjected to theconnection setting processing from the information processing apparatus101. For example, the CPU 154 reads out the program stored in the ROM152, an external storage device (not illustrated) provided in thecommunication apparatus 151, or the like into the RAM 153, and executesthe read program, by which the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3 isrealized. Further, assume that the processing illustrated in theflowchart of FIG. 3 is started when the communication apparatus 151shifts to the connection setting mode with the pairing being completedbetween the information processing apparatus 101 and the communicationapparatus 151.

In step S301, the CPU 154 is brought into the advertising state, whichis the state of broadcasting the advertisement information by theshort-range wireless communication unit 157 every time a predeterminedtime period has elapsed. Broadcasting here refers to transmittinginformation to within a predetermined range without specifying adestination to which the information is transmitted. Further, at thistime, the CPU 154 broadcasts the advertisement information with apredetermined strength to limit a range where the advertisementinformation is reachable. Now, the Bluetooth® Low Energy standard is atechnique for transmitting information small in size to neighboringwireless devices, and a maximum distance to which the information isreachable is a range of approximately 30 to 100 m substantially centeredat the communication apparatus 151. Therefore, if the communicationapparatus 151 does not limit the strength of radio waves whentransmitting the advertisement information, the information processingapparatus 101 may wastefully detect not only the advertisementinformation of a communication apparatus located close thereto but alsothe advertisement information of a communication apparatus located awaytherefrom (a communication apparatus that the user less likely uses).Further, for example, the communication apparatus 151 mayunintentionally allow the advertisement information to reach even aninformation processing apparatus that the communication apparatus 151does not want to permit to perform the connection setting processingthereon. Therefore, the CPU 154 transmits the advertisement informationwith the predetermined strength to limit the reachable range, andtherefore can permit only a communication information processingapparatus located close to the communication apparatus 151 to detect theadvertisement information.

Subsequently, in step S302, the CPU 154 determines whether the requestto start the GATT communication is received from the informationprocessing apparatus 101 by the short-range wireless communication unit157. If the CPU 154 determines that the request to start the GATTcommunication is received by the short-range wireless communication unit157 (YES in step S302), the processing proceeds to step S304. On theother hand, if the CPU 154 determines that the request to start the GATTcommunication is not received by the short-range wireless communicationunit 157 (NO in step S302), the processing proceeds to step S303. Instep S303, the CPU 154 determines whether the communication apparatus151 is about to be powered off. More specifically, at this time, the CPU154 determines whether a power source button provided on thecommunication apparatus 151 is pressed and an instruction to startprocessing for powering off the communication apparatus 151 is issued.If the CPU 154 determines that the communication apparatus 151 is notabout to be powered off (NO in step S303), the processing proceeds tostep S302 again. On the other hand, if the CPU 154 determines that thecommunication apparatus 151 is about to be powered off (YES in stepS303), the CPU 154 stops the advertisement and ends the processing. Instep S303, the CPU 154 may determine whether an instruction to end theconnection setting mode is received, and stop the advertisement and endthe processing if the instruction to end the connection setting mode isreceived.

In step S304, the CPU 154 temporarily stops transmitting theadvertisement information to carry out the GATT communication.

Subsequently, in step S305, the CPU 154 starts the GATT communicationwith the information processing apparatus 101 by the short-rangewireless communication unit 157. At this time, the CPU 154 does notlimit the range in which radio waves can reach when carrying out theGATT communication, unlike when transmitting the advertisementinformation. Therefore, a communicable range by the GATT communicationexceeds the range in which the advertisement information can reach. Thisis because the GATT communication is started only with an informationprocessing apparatus capable of accessing inside the range where theadvertisement information can reach and from which the communicationapparatus 151 can permit itself to be subjected to the connectionsetting processing, whereby a state where the GATT communication hasbeen started means a state where security is ensured. This expansion ofthe communicable range allows the information processing apparatus 101,which has started the connection setting processing by moving closer tothe communication apparatus 151 and receiving the advertisementinformation, to continue the connection setting processing even whenmoving away from the communication apparatus 151, as long as theinformation processing apparatus 101 stays in the range in which radiowaves can be reached.

Subsequently, in step S306, the CPU 154 determines whether theconnection setting information for registering the access point 131 thatis the connection destination of the communication apparatus 151 (e.g.,the command for setting the infrastructure connection mode) is receivedvia the GATT communication. If the CPU 154 determines that theconnection setting information is received (YES in step S306), theprocessing proceeds to step S307. On the other hand, if the CPU 154determines that the connection setting information is not received (NOin step S306), the processing proceeds to step S308. In step S308, theCPU 154 determines whether a predetermined time period has elapsed fromthe start of the GATT communication (whether the reception of theconnection setting information is timed out). If the CPU 154 determinesthat the reception of the connection setting information is not timedout (NO in step S308), the processing proceeds to step S306 again. Onthe other hand, if the CPU 154 determines that the reception of theconnection setting information is timed out (YES in step S308), theprocessing proceeds to step S309.

In step S307, the CPU 154 applies the command for setting theinfrastructure connection mode that is contained in the receivedconnection setting information, and shifts to the infrastructureconnection mode. At this time, the CPU 154 performs processing forregistering the access point indicated by the SSID stored in theconnection setting information (the access point 131 in the presentexample) as the connection destination of the communication apparatus151. More specifically, the CPU 154 sets the access point 131 into theRAM 153 as the access point to be used for the infrastructure connectionvia the communication unit 156. Further, the CPU 154 registers thepassword required to use the access point 131. At this time, the CPU 154may, for example, attempt a connection to the specified access point131, and notify the information processing apparatus 101 of a resultthereof by the GATT communication. Further, the information processingapparatus 101 may be configured to restart the connection settingprocessing if being notified that the attempt for the connection to theaccess point 131 has failed from the communication apparatus 151. Uponappropriately ending the registration of the access point 131, the CPU154 connects to the access point 131 via the communication unit 156, andis set into a state communicable by the wireless LAN (Wi-Fi®). As aresult, the infrastructure connection is established between theinformation processing apparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151via the access point 131. Subsequently, in step S309, the CPU 154 endsthe GATT communication between the information processing apparatus 101and the communication apparatus 151. Then, in step S310, the CPU 154restarts the transmission of the advertisement information.

In this manner, the communication apparatus 151 according to the presentexemplary embodiment transmits the advertisement information with thepredetermined strength to limit the reachable range. By being configuredin this manner, the communication apparatus 151 can allow theinformation processing apparatus 101 to detect only a communicationapparatus located close to the information processing apparatus 101 andhaving a high possibility that the user uses it as the target for theconnection setting processing, thereby improving the convenience for theuser. Further, this configuration can prevent or make less likely anarrival of the advertisement information at an information processingapparatus located away from the communication apparatus 151 andunsuitable for the communication apparatus 151 to be subjected to theconnection setting processing therefrom, thereby enhancing the securityof the communication apparatus 151. Further, the communication apparatus151 is configured not to limit the range in which radio waves can bereached when the information processing apparatus 101 and thecommunication apparatus 151 carry out the GATT communicationtherebetween, which allows the communication to be maintained even whena distance between the apparatuses is changed.

Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, the communicationapparatus 151 is configured to continue transmitting the advertisementinformation every time the predetermined time period has elapsed as longas the communication apparatus 151 is powered on, but is not limited tothis configuration. More specifically, the communication apparatus 151may be configured to include a button or the like usable for the user toissue an instruction to start transmitting the advertisementinformation, and also be configured to set a time-out to a time periodduring which the request to start the GATT communication can bereceived. By being configured in this manner, the communicationapparatus 151 can limit a time period during which the communicationapparatus 151 can be subjected to the connection setting processing toonly within a predetermined time period, thereby saving the powerconsumption of the communication apparatus 151.

The first exemplary embodiment has been described as the example inwhich the information processing apparatus 101 registers the accesspoint 131 that is the connection destination of the communicationapparatus 151 into the communication apparatus 151.

For example, when the information processing apparatus 101 carries outthe communication such as the transmission of the print job to thecommunication apparatus 151 connected as the infrastructure connection,the communication apparatus 151 should be registered in the informationprocessing apparatus 101 as the communication destination. This isbecause, for example, if a plurality of communication apparatuses isconnected to the access point 131 used for the infrastructureconnection, the information processing apparatus 101 have to identifythe communication apparatus 151 with which the information processingapparatus 101 attempts to communicate (the communication apparatus thatis the communication destination). For example, a name and theidentification information of the communication apparatus 151 registeredas the communication destination are displayed on a communicationdestination selection button 404 on the startup screen 400 of the printapplication as illustrated in FIG. 4. Then, the information processingapparatus 101 can communicate with the communication apparatus 151displayed on the communication destination selection button 404.

Therefore, a second exemplary embodiment will be described as an examplein which the information processing apparatus 101 registers thecommunication apparatus 151 targeted for the connection settingprocessing as the communication destination when the connection settingprocessing is performed.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of connection settingprocessing performed by the information processing apparatus 101according to the present exemplary embodiment. For example, the CPU 103reads out the program stored in the ROM 104, the external storage device106, or the like into the RAM 105, and executes the read program, bywhich the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 6 is realized. Further, assumethat the processing illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is startedwhen the printer setup button 403 is pressed with the pairing beingcompleted between the information processing apparatus 101 and thecommunication apparatus 151. Further, assume that the communicationapparatus 151 has shifted to the connection setting mode at this time.

Processes in steps S601 to S610 are similar to the processes in stepsS201 to S210, respectively, whereby descriptions thereof will be omittedhere.

In step S611, the CPU 103 acquires network information from thecommunication apparatus 151 to be targeted for the connection settingprocessing by the GATT communication established in step S605. Thenetwork information stores therein the identification information fordetecting the communication apparatus 151 via the access point 131(e.g., the MAC address of the communication apparatus 151). In thepresent exemplary embodiment, the communication system is configured insuch a manner that the identification information is stored in thenetwork information acquired in step S611, but may be configured in sucha manner that the identification information is stored in theadvertisement information acquired in step S602. Alternatively, thecommunication system may be configured in such a manner that theidentification information is stored in, for example, response datatransmitted from the communication apparatus 151 in response to therequest to start the GATT communication that has been transmitted instep S605.

In step S612, the CPU 103 detects the communication apparatus 151 basedon the identification information stored in the network informationacquired in step S611, and registers the detected communicationapparatus 151 as the communication destination of the informationprocessing apparatus 101. More specifically, the CPU 103 broadcasts arequest for a response reporting the identification information tocommunication apparatuses existing in the connected network, to whichthe information processing apparatus 101 is connected, and detects acommunication apparatus that has issued a response corresponding to theidentification information acquired in step S611. In the presentexemplary embodiment, the information processing apparatus 101 isconnected to the access point 131, and therefore broadcasts the requestto communication apparatuses connected via the access point 131. Due tothe registration of the communication destination, the informationprocessing apparatus 101 can start the communication with thecommunication apparatus 151 after that.

In this manner, the information processing apparatus 101 according tothe present exemplary embodiment also registers the communicationapparatus 151 targeted for the connection setting processing as its owncommunication destination along with performing the connection settingprocessing on the communication apparatus 151. Configuring theinformation processing apparatus 101 in this manner allows theinformation processing apparatus 101 to omit a user's operation such asdetecting and selecting the communication apparatus 151 that becomes thecommunication destination of the information processing apparatus 101.Therefore, this configuration can simplify processing required to beperformed by the user operating the information processing apparatus101, thereby improving the convenience for the user.

In the above-described exemplary embodiments, the processing has beendescribed in which the infrastructure connection mode is set to thecommunication apparatus 151 and the infrastructure connection isestablished between the communication apparatus 151 and the informationprocessing apparatus 101.

However, for example, if there is no external access point, such as awireless LAN router, around the apparatuses, the infrastructureconnection cannot be established between the apparatuses. In such acase, the communication apparatus 151 and the information processingapparatus 101 can achieve the communication between the apparatuses evenwhen there is no external access point, such as a wireless LAN router,by communicating with each other by the direct connection.

Therefore, a third exemplary embodiment will be described as an examplein which the information processing apparatus 101 determines a networkconnection status of the information processing apparatus 101, and setsany of the infrastructure connection mode and the direct connection modewhen performing the connection setting processing on the communicationapparatus 151.

FIG. 7 (including FIGS. 7A and 7B) is a flowchart illustrating a flow ofconnection setting processing performed by the information processingapparatus 101 according to the present exemplary embodiment. Forexample, the CPU 103 reads out the program stored in the ROM 104, theexternal storage device 106, or the like into the RAM 105, and executesthe read program, by which the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7 isrealized. Further, assume that the processing illustrated in theflowchart of FIG. 7 is started when the printer setup button 403 ispressed with the pairing completed between the information processingapparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151. Further, assume thatthe communication apparatus 151 has shifted to the connection settingmode at this time.

Processes in steps S701 to S710 are similar to the processes in stepsS201 to S210, respectively, and processes in steps S711 and S712 aresimilar to the processes in steps S611 and S612, respectively.Therefore, descriptions thereof will be omitted here.

In step S711, the information processing apparatus 101 acquires thenetwork information from the communication apparatus 151, and, in thepresent example, assume that the network information stores therein notonly the above-described identification information but also directconnection information for directly connecting to the communicationapparatus 151. More specifically, the direct connection information is,for example, an SSID of the access point for the direct connection thatis prepared in the communication apparatus 151, and a password forconnecting to this access point.

In step S713, the CPU 103 checks the network connection status of theinformation processing apparatus 101, and determines whether to set thedirect connection mode to the communication apparatus 151. Morespecifically, first, in step S706, the CPU 103 determines whether theSSID of an access point to which the communication unit 111 is connectedcan be acquired from the OS installed in the information processingapparatus 101. In step S706, if the communication unit 111 is connectedto an access point, the CPU 103 can acquire the SSID name of this accesspoint from the OS. On the other hand, if the communication unit 111 isnot connected to an access point, the CPU 103 acquires informationindicating that the communication unit 111 is not connected to an accesspoint from the OS. Therefore, the CPU 103 can determine whether thecommunication unit 111 is connected to an access point based on theinformation acquired from the OS.

Then, if the communication unit 111 is connected to the network via anaccess point, it is desirable that the communication apparatus 151 alsoconnects to a similar access point, and the infrastructure connection isestablished between the apparatuses. This is because, normally, theInternet communication by the wireless LAN is possible in theinfrastructure connection while the Internet communication by thewireless LAN is impossible in the direction connection. On the otherhand, if the communication unit 111 is not connected to an access point,it is highly possible that there is no external access point around theapparatus, whereby it is desirable to establish the direct connectionbetween the apparatuses. Therefore, if being able to acquire the SSIDname of an access point from the OS, the CPU 103 determines to set theinfrastructure connection mode to the communication apparatus 151 (NO instep S713), and then the processing proceeds to step S707. On the otherhand, if being unable to acquire the SSID name of an access point fromthe OS, the CPU 103 determines to set the direct connection mode to thecommunication apparatus 151 (YES in step S713), and then the processingproceeds to step S715.

In step S714, the CPU 103 stores information for setting theinfrastructure connection mode to the communication apparatus 151, intothe connection setting information that will be transmitted in stepS709. More specifically, the CPU 103 stores the SSID and the password ofthe access point to which the communication unit 111 is currentlyconnected, the command for setting the infrastructure connection mode tothe communication apparatus 151 (for causing the communication apparatus151 to connect to the access point to which the communication unit 111is currently connected), and the like.

In step S715, the CPU 103 stores information for setting the directconnection mode to the communication apparatus 151, into the connectionsetting information that will be transmitted in step S709. Morespecifically, the CPU 103 stores a command for setting the directconnection mode to the communication apparatus 151 (for enabling theaccess point in the communication apparatus 151), and the like.

In step S709, the CPU 103 transmits the connection setting informationset in step S714 or S715 to the communication apparatus 151 by the GATTcommunication. As a result, any of the infrastructure connection modeand the direct connection mode is set to the communication apparatus 151according to the content stored in the connection setting information.More specifically, at this time, the processing described in thedescription of step S307 is performed if the infrastructure connectionmode is set, and the access point in the communication apparatus 151 isset to be enabled if the direct connection mode is set.

In step S716, the CPU 103 determines whether the direct connection modeis set to the communication apparatus 151. If the CPU 103 determinesthat the direct connection mode is not set (i.e., the infrastructureconnection mode is set) (NO in step S716), the processing proceeds tostep S712. On the other hand, if the CPU 103 determines that the directconnection mode is set to the communication apparatus 151 (YES in stepS716), the processing proceeds to step S717.

In step S717, the CPU 103 sets the access point in the communicationapparatus 151 as the connection destination of the informationprocessing apparatus 101 based on the SSID and the password of theaccess point in the communication apparatus 151, stored in the networkinformation acquired in step S711. This connection is carried out viathe communication unit 111 by the wireless LAN communication method.This connection allows the information processing apparatus 101 and thecommunication apparatus 151 to connect to each other as a peer-to-peerconnection, and thus allows the communication to be realized between theapparatuses even under an environment that no external access pointexists around the information processing apparatus 101 and thecommunication apparatus 151. After the CPU 103 completes theregistration of the communication destination of the informationprocessing apparatus 101, the processing proceeds to step S712.

In this manner, the information processing apparatus 101 according tothe present exemplary embodiment can set, to the communication apparatus151, one of the infrastructure connection mode and the direct connectionmode that is suitable for the network connection status of theinformation processing apparatus 101. Therefore, the appropriateconnection mode is automatically set without requiring the user usingthe information processing apparatus 101 to be aware of the networkconnection status of the information processing apparatus 101, which cansimplify the processing required to be performed by the user operatingthe information processing apparatus 101, thereby improving theconvenience for the user.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the direct connection is assumed tobe the connection in which the information processing apparatus 101connects to the access point in the communication apparatus 151, but isnot limited thereto and may be any connection as long as the informationprocessing apparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151 connect toeach other as the peer-to-peer connection. In other words, theinformation processing apparatus 101 may connect as the peer-to-peerconnection without the intervention of the access point in thecommunication apparatus 151, by employing, for example, a wireless localarea network (WLAN) connection in an ad hoc mode or a connection byBluetooth®. Alternatively, Wi-Fi Direct® or the like may be used as thecommunication method for the direct connection.

In the above-described exemplary embodiments, the information processingapparatus 101 establishes the infrastructure connection by presentingthe information about the access point 131 to which the communicationunit 111 is connected to the communication apparatus 151. However, forexample, the access point 131 to which the communication unit 111 isconnected may be located outside the communicable range of thecommunication apparatus 151, or may be an access point designed forcommunication using a frequency unsupported by the communicationapparatus 151. In such a case, the information processing apparatus 101cannot establish the infrastructure connection with the communicationapparatus 151. Therefore, a fourth exemplary embodiment will bedescribed as a communication capable of more reliably establishing theinfrastructure connection.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of connection settingprocessing performed by the information processing apparatus 101according to the present exemplary embodiment. For example, the CPU 103reads out the program stored in the ROM 104, the external storage device106, or the like into the RAM 105, and executes the read program, bywhich the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 11 is realized. Further, assumethat the processing illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is startedwhen the printer setup button 403 is pressed with the pairing beingcompleted between the information processing apparatus 101 and thecommunication apparatus 151. Further, assume that the communicationapparatus 151 has shifted to the connection setting mode at this time.

Processes in steps S1101 to S1112 are similar to the processes in stepsS601 to S612, respectively, and therefore descriptions thereof will beomitted here.

In step S1113, the CPU 103 acquires a list of access points to which thecommunication unit 156 can connect (information indicating a list) fromthe communication apparatus 151 by the GATT communication established instep S1105 (list acquisition).

In step S1114, the CPU 103 determines whether there is the access point131 to which the communication unit 111 is connected that has beenacquired in step S1106 in the list of access points to which thecommunication unit 156 can connect that has been acquired in step S1113.If the CPU 103 determines that there is the access point 131 to whichthe communication unit 111 is connected (YES in step S1114), theprocessing proceeds to step S1107. In step S1107, the CPU 103 transmitsthe information about the access point 131 to which the communicationunit 111 is connected to the communication apparatus 151. On the otherhand, if the CPU 103 determines that there is not the access point 131to which the communication unit 111 is connected (NO in step S1114), theprocessing proceeds to step S1115.

In step S1115, the CPU 103 displays the list of access points to whichthe communication unit 156 can connect that has been acquired from thecommunication apparatus 151 in step S1113 on the display unit 108, andreceives a selection of any one of access points in the list from theuser.

In step S1116, the CPU 103 displays the SSID of the access pointselected in step S1115, and displays a screen for inputting a passwordfor using the access point corresponding to this SSID on the displayunit 108. At this time, for example, the screen 500 illustrated in FIG.5 is displayed as the screen for inputting the password.

In step S1117, the information processing apparatus 101 receives aninput of the password for using the access point selected in step S1115,from the user. At this time, the CPU 103 acquires the passwordinformation input by the user onto the input unit 501.

In step S1118, the CPU 103 transmits the connection setting informationfor registering the access point selected in step S1115 as theconnection destination of the communication apparatus 151 to thecommunication apparatus 151 by the GATT communication.

In step S1119, the GATT communication between the communicationapparatus 151 and the information processing apparatus 101 is ended.

In step S1120, the CPU 103 switches the connection destination of thecommunication unit 111 to the access point selected in step S1115.

In step S1121, the CPU 103 detects the communication apparatus 151 basedon the identification information stored in the network informationacquired in step S1111, and registers the detected communicationapparatus 151 as the communication destination of the informationprocessing apparatus 101.

In step S1107, the CPU 103 may display the SSID acquired from the OS instep S1106, and display a screen for confirming to the user whether touse the access point 131 corresponding to this SSID, on the display unit108. Then, the CPU 103 may display the screen for inputting the passwordon the display unit 108, if an intention to use the access point 131corresponding to this SSID is input onto this confirmation screen. Onthe other hand, the processing may proceed to step S1115 and the CPU 103may set the connection with use of an access point selected by the user,if the intention to use the access point 131 corresponding to this SSIDis not input onto this confirmation screen.

Next, processing performed by the communication apparatus 151, which istargeted for the connection setting processing illustrated in FIG. 11,will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a flowchartillustrating a flow of the processing performed by the communicationapparatus 151 when the communication apparatus 151 is subjected to theconnection setting processing from the information processing apparatus101. For example, the CPU 154 reads out the program stored in the ROM152, the external storage device (not illustrated) provided in thecommunication apparatus 151, or the like into the RAM 153, and executesthe read program, by which the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 12 isrealized. Further, assume that the processing illustrated in theflowchart of FIG. 12 is started when the communication apparatus 151shifts to the connection setting mode with the pairing being completedbetween the information processing apparatus 101 and the communicationapparatus 151.

Processes in steps S1201 to S1210 are similar to the processes in stepsS301 to S310, respectively, and therefore descriptions thereof will beomitted here.

In step S1211, the CPU 154 transmits the list of access points to whichthe communication unit 156 can connect, to the information processingapparatus 101 by the GATT communication established in step S1205. Thelist of access points to which the communication unit 156 can connectcan be acquired by inquiring of the OS in the communication apparatus151.

In this manner, in the present exemplary embodiment, the informationprocessing apparatus 101 causes the user to select the access point fromthe list if there is not the access point 131 to which the communicationunit 111 is connected in the list of access points to which thecommunication unit 156 can connect. Then, the infrastructure connectionis established with use of the selected access point. In the presentexemplary embodiment, configuring the information processing apparatus101 in this manner can prevent an access point to which thecommunication apparatus 151 cannot connect from being unintentionallyused for the infrastructure connection, thereby further reliablyestablishing the infrastructure connection. However, the presentexemplary embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example,the CPU 103 may set the direct setting mode to the communicationapparatus 151 if there is not the access point 131 to which thecommunication unit 111 is connected in the list of access points towhich the communication unit 156 can connect. Alternatively, theprocessing may be switched in response to a trigger of the connectionsetting processing. In this case, in a case where the trigger of theconnection setting processing is the reception of the instruction to setthe infrastructure connection mode from the user, the CPU 103 sets theinfrastructure connection mode even if there is not the access point 131to which the communication unit 111 is connected in the list. On theother hand, in a case where the trigger of the connection settingprocessing is the automatic setting instruction that sets the connectionmode according to the connection state of the information processingapparatus 101, the CPU 103 sets the direct connection mode if there isnot the access point 131 to which the communication unit 111 isconnected in the list.

In the fourth exemplary embodiment, the information processing apparatus101 acquires the list of access points, to which the communication unit156 can connect, which is held in the communication apparatus 151.However, for example, if the acquired list is old information, someaccess points included in the list may be already powered off at atiming when the information processing apparatus 101 performs theconnection setting processing. In such a case, for example, the CPU 103may be unable to correctly determine whether there is the access point131 to which the communication unit 111 is connected in the list ofaccess points to which the communication unit 156 can connect.Therefore, a fifth exemplary embodiment will be described as acommunication system capable of further reliably establishing theinfrastructure connection.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of connection settingprocessing performed by the information processing apparatus 101according to the present exemplary embodiment. For example, the CPU 103reads out the program stored in the ROM 104, the external storage device106, or the like into the RAM 105, and executes the read program, bywhich the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 13 is realized. Further, assumethat the processing illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 13 is startedwhen the printer setup button 403 is pressed with the pairing beingcompleted between the information processing apparatus 101 and thecommunication apparatus 151. Further, assume that the communicationapparatus 151 has shifted to the connection setting mode at this time.Processes in steps S1301 to S1321 are similar to the processes in stepsS1101 to S1121, respectively, and therefore descriptions thereof will beomitted here.

In step S1322, the CPU 103 establishes the Bluetooth® Low Energyconnection based on the received advertisement information, and requeststhe list of external access points to which the communication unit 156can connect, to the communication apparatus 151 by the GATTcommunication via the short-range wireless communication unit 112. Thelist requested at this time is a list of pieces of information foridentifying the external access points to which the communication unit156 can connect, and the information for identifying the external accesspoint is, for example, the SSID.

Now, a content of the process in step S1322 will be described withreference to FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the process in step S1322.For example, the CPU 103 reads out the program stored in the ROM 104,the external storage device 106, or the like into the RAM 105, andexecutes the read program, by which the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 14is realized.

In step S1401, the CPU 103 transmits a request to start the GATTcommunication to the communication apparatus 151 based on the receivedadvertisement information. When the request to start the GATTcommunication is received by the communication apparatus 151, the GATTcommunication is started between the communication apparatus 151 and theinformation processing apparatus 101 by this reception.

In step S1402, the CPU 103 transmits an instruction to update the listof external access points to which the communication unit 156 canconnect, to the communication apparatus 151 by the GATT communicationvia the short-range wireless communication unit 112 (instructiontransmission). Subsequently, in step S1403, the CPU 103 ends(disconnects) the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection between thecommunication apparatus 151 and the information processing apparatus101, thereby ending the GATT communication. When the Bluetooth® LowEnergy connection between the communication apparatus 151 and theinformation processing apparatus 101 is ended, the short-range wirelesscommunication unit 112 is brought into the scanning state, which is thestate capable of receiving the advertisement information.

If the update of the list of external access points to which thecommunication unit 156 can connect has succeeded (is completed) in thecommunication apparatus 151, advertisement information (a signal)indicating this success is transmitted from the short-range wirelesscommunication unit 157. Therefore, in step S1404, the CPU 103 determineswhether the advertisement information (the signal) indicating that theupdate of the list of external access points to which the communicationunit 156 can connect has succeeded (is completed) is received (whetherthe signal is received) by the short-range wireless communication unit112. More specifically, the CPU 103 determines whether the advertisementinformation is received by the short-range wireless communication unit112, and whether the received advertisement information contains theidentification information indicating the communication apparatus 151and the information indicating that the update of the list hassucceeded. If the CPU 103 determines that the advertisement informationindicating that the update of the list of external access points towhich the communication unit 156 can connect has succeeded is receivedby the short-range wireless communication unit 112 (YES in step 1404),the processing proceeds to step S1406. On the other hand, if the CPU 103determines that the advertisement information indicating that the updateof the list of external access points to which the communication unit156 can connect has succeeded is not received by the short-rangewireless communication unit 112 (NO in step 1404), the processingproceeds to step S1405. In step S1405, the CPU 103 determines whether apredetermined time period has elapsed from the transmission of theinstruction to update the list of access points (whether this updateinstruction is timed out). If the CPU 103 determines that the updateinstruction is not timed out (NO in step S1405), the processing proceedsto step S1404 again. On the other hand, if the CPU 103 determines thatthe update instruction is timed out (YES in step S1405), the processingproceeds to step S1407, and then the processing is ended. At this time,the CPU 103 may display a screen on the display unit 108 for notifyingthe user that the update instruction is timed out.

In step S1406, the CPU 103 stores, into the RAM 105, determinationinformation indicating that the update of the list of external accesspoints to which the communication unit 156 can connect has succeeded. Onthe other hand, in step S1407, the CPU 103 stores, into the RAM 105,determination information indicating that the update of the list ofexternal access points to which the communication unit 156 can connecthas failed. These pieces of determination information are used indetermination processing, which will be described below.

Subsequently, the processing returns to the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 13. In step S1323, the CPU 103 determines whether the request forthe list of external access points to which the communication unit 156can connect has succeeded. At this time, the CPU 103 makes thedetermination by reading out the determination information held in theRAM 105 in step S1322. If the CPU 103 determines that the update hassucceeded (YES in step S1323), the processing proceeds to step 1305. Atthis time, the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection has been ended(disconnected) between the communication apparatus 151 and theinformation processing apparatus 101, which means that the CPU 103reestablishes the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection in step S1305(reestablishment). On the other hand, if the CPU 103 determines that theupdate has failed (NO in step S1323), the processing is ended.

In step S1324, the CPU 103 transmits the instruction to start theconnection setting to the communication apparatus 151 by the GATTcommunication started in step S1305.

Next, processing performed by the communication apparatus 151, which istargeted for the connection setting processing illustrated in FIG. 13,will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a flowchartillustrating a flow of the processing performed by the communicationapparatus 151 when the communication apparatus 151 is subjected to theconnection setting processing from the information processing apparatus101. For example, the CPU 154 reads out the program stored in the ROM152, the external storage device (not illustrated) provided in thecommunication apparatus 151, or the like into the RAM 153, and executesthe read program, by which the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 15 isrealized. Further, assume that the processing illustrated in theflowchart of FIG. 15 is started when the communication apparatus 151shifts to the connection setting mode with the pairing completed betweenthe information processing apparatus 101 and the communication apparatus151. Processes in steps S1501 to S1511 are similar to the processes insteps S1201 to S1211, respectively, and therefore descriptions thereofwill be omitted here.

In step S1512, the CPU 154 determines the content of the instructionreceived from the information processing apparatus 101 by the GATTcommunication started in step S1505. In the present example, assume thatthe CPU 154 determines whether the received instruction is any of theinstruction to update the list of access points and the instruction tostart the connection setting. If the CPU 154 determines that theinstruction to start connection setting is received (YES in step S1512),the processing proceeds to step S1511. On the other hand, if the CPU 154determines that the instruction to update the list of access points isreceived (NO in step S1512), the processing proceeds to step S1513. Instep S1513, the CPU 154 ends the Bluetooth® Low Energy connectionbetween the communication apparatus 151 and the information processingapparatus 101, thereby ending the GATT communication. When theBluetooth® Low Energy connection between the communication apparatus 151and the information processing apparatus 101 is ended, the short-rangewireless communication unit 157 restarts the advertisement. By thisrestart, the short-range wireless communication unit 157 can allow anapparatus other than the information processing apparatus 101 to alsodetect the advertisement information while the list of external accesspoints to which the communication unit 156 can connect is updated. Thecommunication apparatus 151 may be configured to prohibit the Bluetooth®Low Energy connection from being established between the communicationapparatus 151 and an apparatus other than the information processingapparatus 101 depending on the advertisement information transmitted atthis time so that the communication apparatus 151 does not receiveinterruption of processing from the apparatus other than the informationprocessing apparatus 101. More specifically, the communication apparatus151 may enable only the transmission of the advertisement informationand disable the reception of the connection request. Alternatively, thecommunication apparatus 151 may be configured not to restart theadvertisement even after the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection is endedbetween the communication apparatus 151 and the information processingapparatus 101. In this case, the communication apparatus 151 cannotallow an apparatus other than the information processing apparatus 101to also detect the advertisement information while the list of accesspoints is updated, but can save the power consumption of the short-rangewireless communication unit 157.

In step S1514, the CPU 154 detects the access points to which thecommunication unit 156 can connect. More specifically, at this time, theCPU 154 detects a beacon issued from an access point by thecommunication unit 156. Upon detecting the beacon, the CPU 154sequentially stores information that allows the access point to beidentified, such as the device name and the SSID of the access point,which is contained in this beacon, into the RAM 153. By operating inthis manner, the CPU 154 updates the list of access points to which thecommunication unit 156 can connect.

In step S1515, the CPU 154 determines whether the update of the list ofaccess points in step S1514 has succeeded. For example, when there is noconnectable access point around the communication apparatus 151 and thusno beacon is detected, the CPU 154 determines that the update has failed(NO in step S1515), and then processing proceeds to step S1510. In stepS1510, the CPU 154 may restart transmission of advertisement informationstoring therein the information indicating that the update of the listof external access points to which the communication unit 156 canconnect has failed.

On the other hand, if the CPU 154 determines that the update hassucceeded (YES in step S1515), the processing proceeds to step S1516. Instep S1516, the CPU 154 sets the content of the advertisementinformation to be transmitted after that, to an update success state.More specifically, the CPU 154 stores information indicating that theupdate of the list of external access points to which the communicationunit 156 can connect has succeeded, into the advertisement informationthat will be transmitted after that. Then, in step S1510, the CPU 154restarts the transmission of the advertisement information set to theupdate success state.

In this manner, in the present exemplary embodiment, the list of accesspoints to which the communication unit 156 can connect can be updated toa latest state at the timing when the information processing apparatus101 performs the connection setting processing. Configuring thecommunication system in this manner can prevent or make less likely anaddition of an access point to which the communication unit 156 cannotconnect, to the list at the timing when the connection settingprocessing is performed. Therefore, the information processing apparatus101 can further reliably establish the infrastructure connection withthe communication apparatus 151.

In a sixth exemplary embodiment, a configuration will be described inwhich the information processing apparatus 101 receives a notificationregarding a success or a failure in the connection setting from thecommunication apparatus 151 after transmitting the connection settinginformation.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of connection settingprocessing performed by the information processing apparatus 101according to the present exemplary embodiment. For example, the CPU 103reads out the program stored in the ROM 104, the external storage device106, or the like into the RAM 105, and executes the read program, bywhich the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 17 is realized. Further, assumethat the processing illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 17 is startedwhen the printer setup button 403 is pressed with the pairing completedbetween the information processing apparatus 101 and the communicationapparatus 151. Further, assume that the communication apparatus 151 hasshifted to the connection setting mode at this time. Processes in stepsS1701 to S1724 are similar to the processes in steps S1301 to S1324,respectively, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted here.

After transmitting the connection setting information in step S1709, instep S1725, the CPU 103 determines whether the connection setting of thecommunication apparatus 151 has succeeded with use of the transmittedconnection setting information. More specifically, at this time, the CPU103 first waits for receiving the notification regarding the success orfailure in the connection setting from the communication apparatus 151.Then, if receiving this notification (being notified of the success orthe failure), the CPU 103 analyzes the content of this notification, anddetermines whether the connection setting of the communication apparatus151 has succeeded.

If the connection setting of the communication apparatus 151 has failed(NO in step S1725), the processing proceeds to step S1726. In stepS1726, the CPU 103 displays a screen for confirming, to the user,whether to retry the connection setting of the communication apparatus151 on the display unit 108. Then, the CPU 103 determines whether toretry the connection setting of the communication apparatus 151 based ona user's input onto this screen. If the CPU 103 determines to retry theconnection setting of the communication apparatus 151 (YES in stepS1727), the processing proceeds to step S1707. In step S1707, the CPU103 performs the processes in step S1707 and the steps subsequentthereto again. If the CPU 103 determines not to retry the connectionsetting of the communication apparatus 151 (NO in step S1727), theprocessing is ended.

On the other hand, if the connection setting of the communicationapparatus 151 has succeeded (YES in step S1725), the processing proceedsto step S1728. In step S1728, the CPU 103 displays a screen forregistering any communication apparatus as the communication destinationof the information processing apparatus 101 (a registration screen) onthe display unit 108. A list of communication apparatuses including acommunication apparatus operating as an access point and a communicationapparatus connected to the access point 131 to which the informationprocessing apparatus 101 is connected, which are detected by performinga known discovery process, is displayed on the registration screen. Whenany communication apparatus is selected from the list (the list ofregisterable communication apparatuses) displayed on the registrationscreen, the selected communication apparatus is registered as thecommunication destination of the information processing apparatus 101 bythis selection. In the present exemplary embodiment, the communicationapparatus 151 targeted for the connection setting is registered as thecommunication destination of the information processing apparatus 101without receiving a user's input. Therefore, first, in step S1729, theCPU 103 identifies the communication apparatus 151 targeted for theconnection setting from the list of registerable communicationapparatuses based on the identification information stored in thenetwork information acquired in step S1711. Then, in step S1730, the CPU103 registers the identified communication apparatus (the communicationapparatus 151 in the present example) as the communication destinationof the information processing apparatus 101. Each of the processes insteps S1112, S1121, S1312, and S1321 according to the above-describedexemplary embodiments may be realized by the execution of the processesin steps S1728 to S1730.

The processes in steps S1731 to S1736 are similar to steps S1725 toS1730, respectively. After the determination in step S1733, ifdetermining to retry the connection setting, the CPU 103 may perform theprocesses from step S1715 again, or may perform the processes from stepS1716 again.

Next, processing performed by the communication apparatus 151, which istargeted for the connection setting processing illustrated in FIG. 17,will be described with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a flowchartillustrating a flow of the processing performed by the communicationapparatus 151 when the communication apparatus 151 is subjected to theconnection setting processing from the information processing apparatus101. For example, the CPU 154 reads out the program stored in the ROM152, the external storage device (not illustrated) provided in thecommunication apparatus 151, or the like into the RAM 153, and executesthe read program, by which the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 18 isrealized. Further, assume that the processing illustrated in theflowchart of FIG. 18 is started when the communication apparatus 151shifts to the connection setting mode with the pairing being completedbetween the information processing apparatus 101 and the communicationapparatus 151. Processes in steps S1801 to S1816 are similar to theprocesses in steps S1501 to S1516, respectively, and thereforedescriptions thereof will be omitted here.

In step S1817, the CPU 154 determines whether the application of thecommand for setting the infrastructure connection mode that is containedin the received connection setting information in step S1807 hassucceeded. More specifically, the CPU 154 determines whether theconnection to the access point indicated by the SSID stored in theconnection setting information has succeeded.

If the CPU 154 determines that the connection to the access point hasfailed (NO in step S1817), the processing proceeds to step S1818. Instep S1818, the CPU 154 transmits a notification indicating that theconnection setting of the communication apparatus 151 has failed (thatthe connection between the communication apparatus 151 and the accesspoint has failed), to the information processing apparatus 101 by theGATT communication. The connection to the access point has failed, forexample, when the password stored in the connection setting informationis incorrect. After that, the CPU 154 performs the processes in stepS1806 and the steps subsequent thereto again, and waits for receivingthe connection setting information again.

On the other hand, if the CPU 154 determines that the connection to theaccess point has succeeded (YES in step S1817), the processing proceedsto step S1819. In step S1819, the CPU 154 transmits a notificationindicating that the connection setting of the communication apparatus151 has succeeded (that the connection between the communicationapparatus 151 and the access point has succeeded), to the informationprocessing apparatus 101 by the GATT communication. After that, the CPU154 performs the processes in step S1809 and the steps subsequentthereto. The CPU 154 may be configured to omit the processes in stepS1809 and the steps subsequent thereto, and maintain the Bluetooth® LowEnergy connection with the information processing apparatus 101.

In this manner, in the present exemplary embodiment, the informationprocessing apparatus 101 can recognize whether the application of theconnection setting information has succeeded by exchanging thenotification indicating whether the application of the connectionsetting information has succeeded, by the GATT communication. Then, fromthis recognition, the information processing apparatus 101 can retry theconnection setting processing if the application of the connectionsetting information has failed.

A seventh exemplary embodiment will be described as a configuration thatallows the user to select the communication apparatus to be targeted forthe connection setting processing (a target apparatus).

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of connection settingprocessing performed by the information processing apparatus 101according to the present exemplary embodiment. For example, the CPU 103reads out the program stored in the ROM 104, the external storage device106, or the like into the RAM 105, and executes the read program, bywhich the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 19 is realized. Further, assumethat the processing illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 19 is startedwhen the printer setup button 403 is pressed with the pairing completedbetween the information processing apparatus 101 and the communicationapparatus 151. Further, assume that the communication apparatus 151 hasshifted to the connection setting mode at this time. Processes in stepsS1901 to S1936 are similar to the processes in steps S1701 to S1736,respectively, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted here.

In step S1937, the CPU 103 discovers candidates for the communicationapparatus to be targeted for the connection setting processing, anddisplays a list of discovered apparatuses on the display unit 108. Morespecifically, the CPU 103 first adds the communication apparatus 151with which the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection has been established instep S1905 to the list. Further, the CPU 103 adds a communicationapparatus set in the connection setting mode, which is discovered by aknown discovery process, to the list. For example, some communicationapparatus can be subjected to connection setting processing via Wi-Fi®instead of the connection setting processing via Bluetooth® Low Energy.If such a communication apparatus is set in the connection setting mode,for example, an internal access point, which is active only when thecommunication apparatus is in the connection setting mode, is enabled.Therefore, the CPU 103 can discover the communication apparatus set inthe connection setting mode by detecting a beacon transmitted from thisinternal access point in compliance with the Wi-Fi® standard. Further,this internal access point has, for example, a fixed SSID notarbitrarily changeable by the user. Therefore, the CPU 103 identifiesthe beacon having the fixed SSID among detected beacons, and adds thecommunication apparatus including the internal access point that hasissued the identified beacon to the list. In other words, in the presentexemplary embodiment, the communication apparatus 151 to which theinformation processing apparatus 101 is connected by Bluetooth® LowEnergy, and the communication apparatus set in the connection settingmode and including the enabled specific internal access point aredisplayed in parallel in the list as the communication apparatus to betargeted for the connection setting processing. The communicationapparatuses added to the list are not limited to this configuration. Forexample, a communication apparatus set in the connection setting modeand transmitting specific advertisement information may be added to thelist. Further, the timing at which the process in step S1937 isperformed is not limited to this configuration. For example, the processin step S1937 may be performed immediately after step S1902. In thiscase, the communication apparatus 151 that has transmitted theadvertisement information received in step S1902 is added to the list.Further, for example, if only a single communication apparatus is addedto the list as a result of continuing the discovery of communicationapparatuses for a predetermined time period, the processing may proceedto step S1938 without the CPU 103 displaying the list, and the CPU 103may specify this single communication apparatus as the target apparatus.Further, for example, the CPU 103 may display an error screen on thedisplay unit 108 and end the connection setting processing, if nocommunication apparatus is added to the list after the discoveryprocessing for the communication apparatus for a predetermined timeperiod. Further, information contained in the list displayed on thedisplay unit 108 may be any information as long as the list containsinformation corresponding to the communication apparatus added to thelist. The information corresponding to the communication apparatus maybe, for example, the MAC address or an Internet Protocol (IP) address ofthe communication apparatus, or may be the SSID of the internal accesspoint provided to the communication apparatus.

In step S1938, the CPU 103 specifies the connection apparatus to betargeted for the connection setting processing (the target apparatus)among the communication apparatuses added to the list by receiving auser's selection. For example, if only a single communication apparatusis added to the list as the result of continuing the discovery ofcommunication apparatuses for the predetermined time period, the CPU 103may automatically select this single communication apparatus withoutreceiving the user's selection. When the target apparatus is specified,the CPU 103 performs the connection setting processing after that on thespecified target apparatus.

This configuration allows the user to select the apparatus to betargeted for the connection setting processing, for example, when thereis a plurality of candidates for the apparatus to be targeted for theconnection setting processing around the information processingapparatus 101.

As described above, the timing of displaying the list of the candidatesfor the communication apparatus to be targeted for the connectionsetting processing, and the timing of discovering the candidates for thecommunication apparatus to be targeted for the connection settingprocessing are not limited to the above-described configuration. Otherconfigurations will be described in detail.

For example, the CPU 103 may display the list of the candidates for thecommunication apparatus to be targeted for the connection settingprocessing and/or may discover the candidates for the communicationapparatus to be targeted for the connection setting processing beforestarting the GATT communication with the communication apparatus 151. Inthis case, the communication apparatus set in the connection settingmode, which is searched for by the known discovery process, and thecommunication apparatus operating as the transmission source of theadvertisement information received by the information processingapparatus 101 are displayed in the list in parallel with each other.

At this time, the CPU 103 does not have to display all of communicationapparatuses each operating as the transmission source of theadvertisement information received by the information processingapparatus 101.

For example, the advertisement information may store therein informationregarding a service that the communication apparatus operating as thetransmission source of this advertisement information can provide,and/or information regarding a model and/or a vender of thiscommunication apparatus. In this case, for example, if the receivedadvertisement information contains information indicating that thecommunication apparatus can provide the print service, the CPU 103displays the communication apparatus operating as the transmissionsource of this advertisement information in the list. If the receivedadvertisement information does not contain this information, the CPU 103does not display the communication apparatus operating as thetransmission source of this advertisement information in the list.Further or alternatively, for example, if the received advertisementinformation contains information regarding a model and/or a vendercorresponding to the application for printing, the CPU 103 displays thecommunication apparatus operating as the transmission source of thisadvertisement information in the list. If the received advertisementinformation does not contain this information, the CPU 103 does notdisplay the communication apparatus operating as the transmission sourceof this advertisement information in the list.

Further or alternatively, for example, the advertisement information maystore therein information regarding a state of the communicationapparatus operating as the transmission source of this advertisementinformation. In this case, for example, if the received advertisementinformation does not contain information indicating that thecommunication apparatus is in a busy state or an error state, the CPU103 displays the communication apparatus operating as the transmissionsource of this advertisement information in the list. If the receivedadvertisement information contains this information, the CPU 103 doesnot display the communication apparatus operating as the transmissionsource of this advertisement information in the list. This is because,if the communication apparatus is in the busy state or in the errorstate, the communication apparatus cannot perform the connection settingprocessing. The busy state refers to, for example, a state in which thecommunication apparatus is performing the printing or scanningprocessing, and a state in which an operation is being performed on anoperation unit included in the communication apparatus.

Further or alternatively, for example, if the communication apparatusoperating as the transmission source of the received advertisementinformation is the already paired communication apparatus, the CPU 103displays the communication apparatus operating as the transmissionsource of this advertisement information in the list. If thecommunication apparatus operating as the transmission source of thereceived advertisement information is not the already pairedcommunication apparatus, the CPU 103 does not display the communicationapparatus operating as the transmission source of this advertisementinformation in the list.

Further, for example, the communication apparatus set in the connectionsetting mode, which is searched for by the known discovery process, maytransmit the advertisement information by Bluetooth® Low Energy.Therefore, in the configuration that adds the communication apparatusoperating as the transmission source of the advertisement information tothe list after adding the communication apparatus set in the connectionsetting mode to the list, the same communication apparatus may beredundantly displayed in the list. Therefore, the CPU 103 may performcontrol so as to prevent the same communication apparatus from beingredundantly displayed in the list. For example, the advertisementinformation may store therein the identification information of thecommunication apparatus operating as the transmission source of thisadvertisement information. Further, if discovering the communicationapparatus by the known discovery process, the CPU 103 can acquire theidentification information of the discovered communication apparatus.Therefore, the CPU 103 performs control so as to prevent the samecommunication apparatus from being redundantly displayed, if theidentification information of the communication apparatus operating asthe transmission source of this advertisement information, and theidentification information of the communication apparatus discovered bythe known discovery process match each other.

Further, the CPU 103 may perform the connection setting processing viaWi-Fi® instead of the connection setting processing via Bluetooth® LowEnergy, if the communication apparatus in which the specific internalaccess point is enabled is selected from the communication apparatusesdisplayed in the list. In this case, the CPU 103 transmits theconnection information for connecting to the specific internal accesspoint to the selected communication apparatus.

This connection information contains, for example, the SSID of thespecific internal access point and a password for connecting to thespecific internal access point. The CPU 103 may acquire the password forconnecting to the specific internal access point by receiving an inputfrom the user, or may acquire this password without receiving the inputfrom the user by acquiring it from the application for printing.

Upon the transmission of the connection information, the informationprocessing apparatus 101 and the selected communication apparatus areconnected to each other via the specific internal access point by theWi-Fi® communication method. Then, the CPU 103 transmits the connectionsetting information for registering the access point 131 as theconnection destination of the selected communication apparatus to theselected communication apparatus by the Wi-Fi® communication. As aresult, the infrastructure connection mode is set to the selectedcommunication apparatus.

In this manner, the CPU 103 may switch whether to perform the connectionsetting processing via Bluetooth® Low Energy or perform the connectionsetting processing via Wi-Fi® according to which communication apparatusis selected by the user via the list. In other words, if the selectedcommunication apparatus is the communication apparatus operating as thetransmission source of the advertisement information received by theinformation processing apparatus 101 or the communication apparatus towhich the information processing apparatus 101 is connected byBluetooth® Low Energy, the CPU 103 performs the connection settingprocessing by Bluetooth® Low Energy. On the other hand, if the selectedcommunication apparatus is the communication apparatus in which thespecific internal access point is enabled, the CPU 103 performs theconnection setting processing by Wi-Fi®.

(Other Exemplary Embodiments)

In the above-described exemplary embodiments, the communicationapparatus 151 targeted for the connection setting processing isregistered as the communication destination of the informationprocessing apparatus 101, but the registration of the communicationapparatus 151 is not limited to this configuration. For example, ifdetecting that the communication apparatus 151 targeted for theconnection setting processing is already registered with the informationprocessing apparatus 101 as the communication destination based on theacquired identification information of the communication apparatus 151or the like, the information processing apparatus 101 may stop theconnection setting processing, and present a display indicating thisfact on the display unit 108 of the information processing apparatus101.

In the above-described exemplary embodiments, the communication systemis configured in such a manner that the information processing apparatus101 connects to the access point in the communication apparatus 151 inthe direct connection, but the direct connection is not limited thereto.For example, the communication system may be configured in such a mannerthat the communication apparatus 151 connects to an access point in theinformation processing apparatus 101. In this case, the informationprocessing apparatus 101 transmits connection setting informationstoring therein an SSID and a password of the access point in theinformation processing apparatus 101 to the communication apparatus 151.Then, the communication apparatus 151 connects to the access point inthe information processing apparatus 101 with use of the SSID and thepassword of the access point in the information processing apparatus 101that are contained in the received connection setting information by thewireless LAN communication method.

The above-described exemplary embodiments include the configuration thatends the GATT communication after the connection setting processing iscompleted, but handling the GATT communication is not limited to thisconfiguration. More specifically, the communication system may beconfigured to maintain the state capable of carrying out the GATTcommunication and allow information to be acquired when necessary by theGATT communication even after the connection setting processing iscompleted. In this case, for example, the communication system may beconfigured in such a manner that the information processing apparatus101 and the communication apparatus 151 exchange the notificationindicating whether the connection setting has succeeded by the GATTcommunication, and, for example, perform processing according to aresult thereof (the processing for retrying the connection setting), asdescribed in the description of the sixth exemplary embodiment.

The above-described exemplary embodiments include the configuration thatswitches the connection destination of the communication unit 111 if theconnection setting processing is performed for connecting thecommunication apparatus 151 to an access point other than the accesspoint 131 to which the information processing apparatus 101 isconnected. However, switching the connection destination is not limitedto this configuration. More specifically, the information processingapparatus 101 may be configured in such a manner that the informationprocessing apparatus 101 does not automatically switch the connectiondestination of the communication unit 111 but the user manually switchesthe connection destination of the communication unit 111 as appropriate,thereby making the communication apparatus 151 and the informationprocessing apparatus 101 communicable with each other. However, in thiscase, for example, the communication apparatus 151 targeted for theconnection setting may be missing in the list of registerablecommunication apparatuses immediately after the connection settingprocessing. Therefore, a result of the processing for identifying thecommunication apparatus 151 targeted for the connection setting from thelist of registerable communication apparatuses may end up an error. Inthis case, the user first manually switches the connection destinationof the communication unit 111, and connects the information processingapparatus 101 to the access point to which the communication apparatus151 is connected. This switching causes an update of the list ofregisterable communication apparatuses, whereby the user can make thecommunication apparatus 151 and the information processing apparatus 101communicable with each other by selecting the communication apparatus151 targeted for the connection setting from the updated list.

In the above-described exemplary embodiments, the instruction to performthe connection setting processing is assumed to be issued from the userwithout the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection established between thecommunication apparatus 151 and the information processing apparatus101. However, the issue of this instruction is not limited to thisconfiguration. For example, the instruction to perform the connectionsetting processing may be issued from the user with the Bluetooth® LowEnergy connection established in advance between the communicationapparatus 151 and the information processing apparatus 101. In thiscase, the processes for establishing the Bluetooth® Low Energyconnection (steps S202, S204, S205, S302, S304, S305, and the like) areomitted.

In the above-described exemplary embodiments, the connection settingprocessing is assumed to be started when the printer setup button 403 ispressed by the user. However, the start of the connection settingprocessing is not limited to this configuration. For example, thecommunication system may be configured in such a manner that theconnection setting processing is automatically started after the pairingis conducted. In this case, the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection isestablished by the pairing between the communication apparatus 151 andthe information processing apparatus 101, so that the processes forestablishing the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection (steps S202, S204,S205, S302, S304, S305, and the like) are omitted. Further, for example,in a case where this configuration is applied to the seventh exemplaryembodiment, the processes in steps S1937 and S1938 (selectionprocessing) may be omitted in the connection setting processingautomatically started after the pairing is conducted. In other words,the communication system may be configured in such a manner that theselection processing is omitted in the connection setting processingautomatically started after the pairing is conducted, while theselection processing is performed in the connection setting processingstarted when the printer setup button 403 is pressed by the user. Thisis because the communication apparatus connected by the pairing ishighly likely the apparatus to be targeted for the connection settingprocessing automatically started after the pairing is conducted, so thatthe target apparatus can be determined even without receiving the user'sselection.

Embodiments can also be realized by processing that supplies a programcapable of achieving one or more function(s) of the above-describedexemplary embodiments to a system or an apparatus via a network or astorage medium, and causes one or more processor(s) in a computer ofthis system or apparatus to read out and execute the program.Embodiments can also be realized with use of a circuit (for example, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) capable of achieving oneor more function(s).

According to the embodiments, the infrastructure connection can befurther easily and simply established.

Embodiment(s) can also be realized by a computer of a system orapparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions(e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which mayalso be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium’) to perform the functions of one or more of theabove-described embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits(e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performingthe functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), andby a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, forexample, reading out and executing the computer executable instructionsfrom the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of theabove-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or morecircuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more processors (e.g.,central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and mayinclude a network of separate computers or separate processors to readout and execute the computer executable instructions. The computerexecutable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example,from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include,for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), aread only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, anoptical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD),or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, a memory card, and thelike.

While exemplary embodiments have been described, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplaryembodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded thebroadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications andequivalent structures and functions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A control method for an information processingapparatus that connects to and communicates with a communicationapparatus by a first wireless communication method, and that connects toand communicates with an access point by a second wireless communicationmethod that is able to realize faster communication than the firstwireless communication method, the control method comprising: receiving,from the communication apparatus, a signal containing connectioninformation for communicating with the communication apparatus by thefirst wireless communication method; transmitting, to the communicationapparatus, a request for starting communication by the first wirelesscommunication method based on the signal; establishing a connectionbetween the information processing apparatus and the communicationapparatus by the first wireless communication method; receiving, fromthe communication apparatus by the first wireless communication method,information concerning one or more access points to which thecommunication apparatus is able to connect, after the connection betweenthe information processing apparatus and the communication apparatus bythe first wireless communication method is established; displaying alist including the one or more access points on a display, based on thereceived information concerning the one or more access points; acceptinga selection of one access point from among the one or more access pointsincluded in the list; and transmitting information concerning theselected access point to the communication apparatus by the firstwireless communication method, wherein, in a case where the informationconcerning the selected access point is received, the communicationapparatus establishes a connection between the selected access point andthe communication apparatus by the second wireless communication method.2. The control method according to claim 1, further comprising:establishing, in a case where the selection of the one access point isaccepted, a connection between the selected access point and theinformation processing apparatus by the second wireless communicationmethod.
 3. The control method according to claim 1, wherein theconnection between the information processing apparatus and thecommunication apparatus by the first wireless communication method ismaintained, even after the information concerning the selected accesspoint is transmitted to the communication apparatus by the firstwireless communication method.
 4. The control method according to claim1, further comprising: receiving an input of a password for using theselected access point; and transmitting the input password to thecommunication apparatus by the first wireless communication method. 5.The control method according to claim 1, further comprising displaying apassword input screen for accepting an input of a password for using theselected access point, wherein identification information foridentifying the selected access point is displayed on the password inputscreen, and wherein the input of the password for using the selectedaccess point is accepted by the password input screen.
 6. The controlmethod according to claim 1, further comprising specifying that a signalincluding identification information indicating a specific apparatus isreceived from among signals transmitted by the first wirelesscommunication method, wherein the connection between informationprocessing apparatus and the communication apparatus, which transmitsthe signal including the identification information indicating thespecific apparatus, by the first wireless communication method isestablished.
 7. The control method according to claim 6, furthercomprising displaying a notification screen for a user, in a case wherethe signal including the identification information indicating thespecific apparatus has not been received for a predetermined timeperiod.
 8. The control method according to claim 1, wherein theselection of one access point from among the one or more access pointsincluded in the list is accepted after pairing processing forauthenticating communication by the first wireless communication methodis performed.
 9. The control method according to claim 1, furthercomprising: establishing a connection between the information processingapparatus and the communication apparatus by the second wirelesscommunication method without using an external access point; andtransmitting the information concerning the selected access point to thecommunication apparatus by the second wireless communication method,after the connection between the information processing apparatus andthe communication apparatus by the second wireless communication methodis established.
 10. The control method according to claim 1, wherein thefirst wireless communication method is Bluetooth®.
 11. The controlmethod according to claim 1, wherein the second wireless communicationmethod is Wi-Fi®.
 12. An information processing apparatus that connectsto and communicates with a communication apparatus by a first wirelesscommunication method, and that connects to and communicates with anaccess point by a second wireless communication method that is able torealize faster communication than the first wireless communicationmethod, the information processing apparatus comprising: a firstreception unit configured to receive, from the communication apparatus,a signal containing connection information for communicating with thecommunication apparatus by the first wireless communication method; anestablishment unit configured to transmit, to the communicationapparatus, a request for starting communication by the first wirelesscommunication method based on the signal, and to establish a connectionbetween the information processing apparatus and the communicationapparatus by the first wireless communication method; a second receptionunit configured to receive, from the communication apparatus by thefirst wireless communication method, information concerning one or moreaccess points to which the communication apparatus is able to connect,after the connection between the information processing apparatus andthe communication apparatus by the first wireless communication methodis established; a display unit configured to display a list includingthe one or more access points on a display, based on the receivedinformation concerning the one or more access points; an acceptance unitconfigured to accept a selection of one access point from among the oneor more access points included in the list; and a transmission unitconfigured to transmit information concerning the selected access pointto the communication apparatus by the first wireless communicationmethod, wherein in a case where the information concerning the selectedaccess point is received, the communication apparatus establishes aconnection between the selected access point and the communicationapparatus by the second wireless communication method.
 13. A controlmethod for a communication apparatus that connects to and communicateswith an information processing apparatus by a first wirelesscommunication method, and that connects to and communicates with anaccess point by a second wireless communication method that is able torealize faster communication than the first wireless communicationmethod, the control method comprising: transmitting, to the informationprocessing apparatus, a signal containing connection information forcommunicating with the communication apparatus by the first wirelesscommunication method; receiving, from the information processingapparatus, a request for starting communication by the first wirelesscommunication method transmitted based on the signal; establishing aconnection between the information processing apparatus and thecommunication apparatus by the first wireless communication method;transmitting, to the information processing apparatus by the firstwireless communication method, information concerning one or more accesspoints to which the communication apparatus is able to connect, afterthe connection between the information processing apparatus and thecommunication apparatus by the first wireless communication method isestablished; receiving, from the information processing apparatus by thefirst wireless communication method, information concerning one accesspoint that is selected among the one or more access points included in alist displayed on the information processing apparatus based on theinformation concerning the one or more access points to which thecommunication apparatus is able to connect; and establishing, in a casewhere the information concerning the selected access point is received,a connection between the selected access point and the communicationapparatus by the second wireless communication method.
 14. The controlmethod according to claim 13, wherein the connection between theinformation processing apparatus and the communication apparatus by thefirst wireless communication method is maintained, even after theconnection between the selected access point and the communicationapparatus by the second wireless communication unit is established. 15.The control method according to claim 13, further comprising receiving,from the information processing apparatus by the first wirelesscommunication method, a password for using the selected access pointthat is input via a screen displayed by the information processingapparatus.
 16. The control method according to claim 13, furthercomprising transmitting, to the information processing apparatus, asignal including identification information indicating a specificapparatus by the first wireless communication method.
 17. The controlmethod according to claim 13, further comprising determining whether theinformation concerning the selected access point has not been receivedby the first wireless communication method for a predetermined timeperiod.
 18. The control method according to claim 13, furthercomprising: establishing a connection between the communicationapparatus and the information processing apparatus by the secondwireless communication method without using an external access point;and receiving the information concerning the selected access point fromthe information processing apparatus by the second wirelesscommunication method, after the connection between the communicationapparatus and the information processing apparatus is established by thesecond wireless communication method.
 19. The control method accordingto claim 13, wherein the first wireless communication method isBluetooth®.
 20. The control method according to claim 13, wherein thesecond wireless communication method is Wi-Fi®.
 21. A communicationapparatus that connects to and communicates with an informationprocessing apparatus by a first wireless communication method, and thatconnects to and communicates with an access point by a second wirelesscommunication method that is able to realize faster communication thanthe first wireless communication method, the communication apparatuscomprising: a first transmission unit configured to transmit, to theinformation processing apparatus, a signal containing connectioninformation for communicating with the communication apparatus by thefirst wireless communication method; a first establishment unitconfigured to receive, from the information processing apparatus, arequest for starting communication by the first wireless communicationmethod transmitted based on the signal, and to establish a connectionbetween the information processing apparatus and the communicationapparatus by the first wireless communication method; a secondtransmission unit configured to transmit, to the information processingapparatus by the first wireless communication method, informationconcerning one or more access points to which the communicationapparatus is able to connect, after the connection between theinformation processing apparatus and the communication apparatus by thefirst wireless communication method is established; a reception unitconfigured to receive, from the information processing apparatus by thefirst wireless communication method, information concerning one accesspoint that is selected among the one or more access points included in alist displayed on the information processing apparatus based on theinformation concerning one or more access points to which thecommunication apparatus is able to connect; and a second establishmentunit configured to establish, in a case where the information concerningthe selected access point is received, a connection between the selectedaccess point and the communication apparatus by the second wirelesscommunication method.
 22. The communication apparatus according to claim21, wherein the connection between the information processing apparatusand the communication apparatus by the first wireless communicationmethod is maintained, even after the connection between the selectedaccess point and the communication apparatus by the second wirelesscommunication unit is established.
 23. The communication apparatusaccording to claim 21, further comprising a password reception unitconfigured to receive, from the information processing apparatus by thefirst wireless communication method, a password for using the selectedaccess point that is input via a screen displayed by the informationprocessing apparatus.
 24. The communication apparatus according to claim21, further comprising a third transmission unit configured to transmit,to the information processing apparatus, a signal includingidentification information indicating a specific apparatus by the firstwireless communication method.
 25. The communication apparatus accordingto claim 21, further comprising a determination unit configured todetermine whether the information concerning the selected access pointhas not been received by the first wireless communication method for apredetermined time period.
 26. The communication apparatus according toclaim 21, further comprising: a third establishment unit configured toestablish a connection between the communication apparatus and theinformation processing apparatus by the second wireless communicationmethod without using an external access point; and an informationreception unit configured to receive the information concerning theselected access point from the information processing apparatus by thesecond wireless communication method, after the connection between thecommunication apparatus and the information processing apparatus isestablished by the second wireless communication method.
 27. The controlmethod according to claim 21, wherein the first wireless communicationmethod is Bluetooth®.
 28. The control method according to claim 21,wherein the second wireless communication method is Wi-Fi®.